Reduce Your Dog’s Boredom

Often for no other reason, dogs will dig simply because they are bored.

Signs that your dog is bored may include; staring at the fence for a long period of time, whining, or engaging in playful or ‘hyperactive’ behaviour, such as, you guessed it, digging holes.

To help put a stop to your dog’s boredom, try providing entertainment with toys and playtime – try to rotate the toys every so often to keep your dog excited.

In particular, KONG Dog Toys are designed to keep your dog entertained and chewing for hours, especially when combined with KONG Stuff’N Snacks, or even a spoonful of natural peanut butter.

Another way to avoid your dog’s boredom is to provide routine and exercise with walks and runs.

Try walking your dog at least once a day and consider playing games such as fetch along the way. This will really get them tuckered out – a tired dog is not a digging dog.

And finally, let your dog socialise with other dogs. Take your dog to the local dog park or dog beach and let them sniff, saunter, and socialise to their heart’s content.

Remove Temptations

The more temptations that your dog has, the harder it is for them to resist digging.

If you can create a yard that is less tempting to dig holes in, your dog’s behaviour will be much easier to keep under control.

Below is a list of the most common temptations and how to overcome them.

Freshly Tilled Dirt: Dogs enjoy digging in freshly tilled earth, so if you're working in the garden, try remove fresh dirt from your dog’s reach with a fence or covering.

Buried Bones: Go out and dig up any bones or other items that your dog has buried. Also try avoid your dog seeing you do this, or it may be seen as part of the fun. Fill the hole back in and add discouragements such as large rocks, citrus peels or chicken wire.

Gardening: If you do gardening, don't let your dog see you till or dig in the earth, as this would simply be positive reinforcement. If you can do it, why can’t I?